Motivations, incentives, & barriers for environmental leadership by small-to-medium-size enterprises : a resource-based view of "beyond compliance" voluntary environmental actions by golf courses, ski areas, & marinas
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Authors
Fletcher, Kevin A.
Issue Date
2006-05
Type
Electronic thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Language
ENG
Keywords
Management
Alternative Title
Abstract
An exploration of three eco-dependent business types participating in "beyond compliance" voluntary environmental programs-specifically, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, Sustainable Slopes Environmental Charter, and the Florida Clean Marina Program-reveals that SMEs share many of the same motivations for participation as larger firms (i.e., credit, public recognition), but not an overwhelming drive for finding business value (i.e., cost savings). This study found that incentives for participation in YEPs are lacking for SMEs, with typical management concerns (i.e. budget goals, quarterly profit) and compliancebased environmental regulatory requirements driving most environmental action in SMEs. This exploration does corroborate findings from research on manufacturing-based SMEs on barriers for YEP participation-with lack of time, limited resources, lack of upper management commitment, and lack of knowledge given as the most common barriers. Finally, a factor absent from other research on YEP uptake is revealed; namely, the role that promotion, marketing, and sales plays in YEP awareness and participation by target businesses. This is especially critical based on whether the YEP is sponsored and managed by industry, government, or an environmental group.
Description
May 2006
School of Management
School of Management
Full Citation
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY